Dining Guide: Restaurants near QPAC

Don’t leave your pre- and post-show dining to chance – it’s one of the best parts of a night at the theatre. Here is a selection of restaurants near QPAC, ranging from low-key to high-end.

Vietnamese: Hello Please

This open-air Vietnamese eatery is fast and fresh. Salads, curries and bowls of pho are prepared from a shipping container, with menus for both shared banquets and individual dishes. Though tables are turned over quickly at Hello Please, bookings are also taken.

Modern Australian: Gauge

Cafe by day and restaurant come sunset, Gauge offers one of Brisbane’s most contemporary dining experiences. The menu changes seasonally, with the chef continually plating up unconventional flavours to keep seasoned diners on their toes. When booking, ask about the pre-show menu.

Italian: Julius

The casual atmosphere of this Italian restaurant makes for a convivial start or end to a night at QPAC. Dine at Julius for wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and antipasti, all of which can be ordered to share with your group. Bookings are accepted, but only via the website.

Japanese: Taro's Ramen

Taro Akimoto is a ramen purist, and that's why his restaurants are consistently busy. The South Brisbane outpost of Taro's Ramen offers fast and satisfying dining (just don't wear white if you plan on ordering noodle soup). Bookings aren't necessary and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a mid-week outing. While there is more than ramen on the menu, the namesake dish really is the star of this restaurant.

Fine Dining: Stokehouse Q

Overlooking the river at the far end of South Bank, this is a bit of a walk from QPAC, so either venture here in comfortable shoes or by car. Stokehouse Q is originally from Melbourne, but this fine-dining outpost has a distinctly Brisbane flavour. Savour a full meal in the restaurant or meet for drinks and snacks in the adjoining bar. Bookings can be made for the restaurant.

Asian: Chu the Phat

Like many of the restaurants around QPAC, Chu the Phat (pictured) encourages shared dining. If you are heading out with a group, you can split a banquet that serves a variety of dishes inspired by street food from Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan. Individual meals are also available and bookings are available for tables of eight or more. Smaller groups can make reservations up until 6:30 pm.

Tapas: Olé Restaurant

This lively South Bank favourite always attracts a healthy crowd. Large servings of paella, sangria and moreish tapas form the basis of the menu, while live flamenco guitarists set the mood on weekends. Note that Olé Restaurant only accepts bookings for groups of ten or more.

Gastropub: The Charming Squire

This isn’t pub grub as you’ve come to know it. Head to The Charming Squire for charcuterie boards, slow-cooked meats, burgers and prime cuts of steak. There is also an extensive dessert menu for a post-show sweet treat. Bookings are accepted.

Cheap Eats: Ol’ School

A new take on the classic fish and chippery, Ol’ School serves the best fish found at the market that day. It comes as spruced-up fish and chips, or in the form of tacos and burgers. An alcohol list with bottled cocktails keep the cheerful vibes flowing. Hedge your bets with this one, because bookings aren’t taken.